To-day the Members of Congress very generally visited the
Russian fleet. I did not go down, but detailed two steamers which were at the
yard to convey the members. Our Russian friends are rendering us a great
service.
Senator Sumner called, and we had half an hour's interesting
conversation on the topics of the day and times. He compliments my Report.
Senator Morgan also called. Says the nominating committee will, he thinks,
nominate Hale Chairman of the Naval Committee, though reluctantly; no one wants
him. Says Hale tendered him the appointment, but he knew not Hale's power to
bestow it. That wretched Senator knows not the estimation in which he is held
by his associates, and I can perceive by this attempted manœuvre with Morgan that he
supposes Morgan and myself have been conspiring against him, whereas the truth
is we have never exchanged a word concerning him, nor have I attempted to
influence a single Senator.
SOURCE: Gideon Welles, Diary of Gideon Welles,
Secretary of the Navy Under Lincoln and Johnson, Vol. 1: 1861 – March 30,
1864, p. 484
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